Integrated Soil Fertility Management Practices Research Articles

Nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization and their corresponding monetary values under long‐term integrated soil fertility management practices

Nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization and their corresponding monetary values under long‐term integrated soil fertility management practices

Assessment of nutrient flows in maize-based farming system by smallholder farmers for sustainable production in Ikara, Kaduna State

Nutrient depletion is one of the major causes of decreased crop yield, and a threat to food security and sustainable crop production. NutMon- toolbox was used to determine nutrient flows and partial nutrient balances of maize-based smallholders’ farming system. Data was collected using structured questionnaire from 15 randomly selected farmers, with five farmers each in three villages. Composite soil samples were also taken from each of the three plots. At crop maturity, samples of crop products and residues were randomly taken from the selected fields. Nitrogen, P and K contents in soil and crop material was used to calculate nutrient flows and partial balances. Results obtained revealed that mineral fertilizer flow, averaged 349.20kg N yr-1 and 81.45kg K yr-1 and were lower than 376.65kg N yr-1 and 431.44kg K yr-1 organic input. However, phosphorus in mineral fertilizer (55.78kg P yr-1) was higher compared to phosphorus (51.06 kg P ha-1 yr-1) in organic input. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for maize seeds and crop residue were all negative. The partial nutrient balances were positive 53.45kg N ha-1 yr-1 and 79.40kg K ha-1 but negative 1.10kg P ha-1 yr-1. Harvesting of crops for food, without incorporation of crop residue into the soil, were the most important sources of nutrient mining in smallholder production system. Integrated soil fertility management practices that favour the buildup of soil organic matter and use of animal manure should be encouraged through effective extension services at Ikara, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Integrated Soil Fertility Management Practices for Coffee in Tanzania: A Review

Integrated Soil Fertility Management Practices for Coffee in Tanzania: A Review

Soil bacterial community is influenced by long‐term integrated soil fertility management practices in a Ferralsol in Western Kenya

AbstractIntroductionSoil bacterial community structure, abundance and diversity, important in biogeochemical cycling, are influenced by several anthropogenic and edaphic factors. Numerous agronomic practices have been promoted to improve soil fertility and crop production in western Kenya, but little is known on their impacts on soil microbial diversity in the region.Materials and MethodsIn this study, conducted in 2019, we assessed the influence of various long‐term (17 years) agronomic management practices, involving application of farmyard manure (FYM) either sole or under different combinations with inorganic nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), using 12 treatments, on bacterial community composition, relative abundance and diversity. The bacterial community composition was assessed through amplicon sequencing on an Illumina Miseq platform conducted in MR DNA Laboratory, USA.ResultsThe soil bacterial community composition and diversity were predominantly higher under management practices with application of FYM, either sole or in combination with inorganic fertilisers compared to treatments with either sole NPK fertiliser or no input application. Certain bacterial taxa, involving Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Nitrospirae, Fusobacteria, Nitrospinae and Actinobacteria predominated in management practices where FYM was added either solely or in combination with chemical fertilisers. In addition, several soil chemical parameters showed significant influences on bacterial composition, relative abundance and diversity indices. Soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), N, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and cation exchange capacity consistently showed strong positive correlation with numerous bacterial phyla. Bacterial phyla were significantly affected by treatments. Some bacterial phyla, like Chloroflexi and Acidobacteria, were mostly dominant in treatments applied with organic inputs but were depressed under carbon‐deficient treatments (no‐input control and sole NPK application treatments).ConclusionThis study revealed that long‐term agricultural management practices that seek to improve SOC content and nutrient availability also stimulated bacterial diversity and shifted bacterial composition.

Determinants of Adoption of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Practices among Coffee Producers in Mid – Northern Uganda

Determinants of Adoption of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Practices among Coffee Producers in Mid – Northern Uganda

Soil Fertility Status as Influenced by Slope Gradient and Land Use Types in Southern Ethiopia

Understanding the effects of land use types and slope gradients on the physicochemical properties of soil is essential for sustainable soil management. Therefore, this study was conducted at the Azit subwatershed of Gedebano Gutazer Welene Woreda, Southern Ethiopia, with the objectives to evaluate the effect of land use types, examine the interaction of land use and slope gradient, and evaluate the effect of slope gradient on selected soil physicochemical properties. A total of 27 soil samples using a simple random sampling technique with randomized complete block design from 3 land use types (cultivated, eucalyptus, and grazing lands) ×3 slope gradients (upper 10–15%, middle 5–10%, and lower 2–5% slopes) ×3 replications and depth (0–20 cm) were collected. Results indicated that most of the physicochemical properties of soils were significantly ( P < 0.01 ) affected by land use and slope gradient. Silt and sand particles did not vary significantly ( P > 0.05 ) among the land use types. The interaction effect of land use and slope was not significant ( P > 0.05 ) for most of the soil properties except for organic carbon (OC). Results of data analysis also showed that soil fertility was low under cultivated and eucalyptus lands coupled with the upper slope gradient. Therefore, based on the study’s findings, it can be recommended that integrated soil fertility management practices, such as the addition of soil organic matter and appropriate use of inorganic fertilizers, need to be implemented to restore the lost soil fertility status on the cultivated land and ultimately increase agricultural productivity on a sustainable basis. Eucalyptus plantings should also gradually be replaced by those that assist the soil in restoring its fertility.

Integrated soil fertility management practices for improved crop production in smallholder farming systems of semi-arid areas: A synthetic review

Integrated soil fertility management practices for improved crop production in smallholder farming systems of semi-arid areas: A synthetic review

Factors Influencing Smallholder Farmers’ Attitudes Towards Integrated Soil Fertility Management: Case Study of the Wanka Watershed, Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract This paper explores factors influencing smallholder farmers’ attitudes towards integrated soil fertility management (ISFM). ISFM is paramount to improve soil fertility for sustainable agricultural productivity, especially in contexts where smallholder agriculture is an important local livelihood and economic activity, as in many countries of the Global South. Alongside the development and availability of new technologies to enhance soil fertility, smallholder farmers’ attitudes towards these innovations in specific contexts are key to determining the extent and outcomes of their uptake. A better understanding of these is thus essential to inform measures to increase ISFM practices among smallholder farmers. This study aimed to assess farmers’ attitudes towards ISFM and the factors that determined them based on a case study of the Wanka watershed, northwestern Ethiopia, a major cereal-producing area. Using a mixed methods approach, data obtained from a household survey (146 respondents), focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a multiple regression model. The findings revealed that the attitudes of smallholder farmers towards ISFM in the study area were generally positive, as they considered ISFM compatible with agronomic principles and important to increase agricultural productivity sustainably. The extent of farmers’ farming experience, the length of time of applying chemical fertilizer, the number of livestock, and the size of plots were found to be significant predictors of attitudes towards ISFM. The study concludes that considering these factors can better inform interventions designed to enhance farmers’ choice of ISFM technologies for improved soil fertility management and sustainable crop production in the study area and other contexts.

Measuring integrated smallholder soil fertility management practices in Megech watershed, Tana sub-basin, Ethiopia

Nowadays, a combination of natural and man-made factors has led to a decline in the physical and chemical quality of the soil. In Ethiopia, declining soil fertility and quality that lead to low agricultural production are made worse by soil erosion and nutrient depletion. Adoption and implementation of integrated soil fertility management strategies have emerged as inevitabilities in terms of development in Ethiopia generally and in the Tana sub-basin of northwest Ethiopia specifically. This study was created to evaluate the Megech watershed's integrated smallholder soil fertility management methods' adoption factors, status, and scope. A total of 380 individual farmers were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire to gather primary data. Descriptive statistics and econometric estimating methods were combined in the study. The findings supported the use of inorganic fertilizer, tree planting, organic fertilizer, stone bunds, and soil bunds by households as the primary methods for managing soil fertility. The outcomes of the econometric model also show that households' adoption decisions for integrated soil fertility management practices are highly interdependent. Additionally, there were similar underlying factors that affected the status and intensity of implementing integrated soil fertility management practices. The research concluded that effective soil management policies and programs should be designed, and implemented by smallholder farmers, agricultural experts, research centers, and governmental and non-governmental organizations to improve the quality of soil for sustainable food production. Moreover, raising the affordability of financial services and strengthening smallholder farmers' access to education help to increase their income, which in turn encourages the use of integrated soil fertility management practices.

Effects of land use/land cover changes on soil properties in Rib watershed, Ethiopia

Conversion of natural vegetation into farm land and grazing land causes soil quality loss. Soil properties response to land use/land cover changes (LULC) shows both spatial and temporal variations. This study was aimed at assessing the effects of LULC changes on physical and chemical properties of soil in Rib watershed. To assess physical and chemical properties of the soil among LULC, soil samples were taken over natural forest, grazing and cultivated lands in two agro-ecological belts of Dega and High Dega. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Pearson’s correlation were computed. The study revealed that LULC and agro-ecology have affected physical and chemical properties of the soil in the study watershed. Significant difference in distribution of soil texture, BD, OC, TN and pH among LULC were observed. Soils of Natural forest had higher OC, OC stock and TN. For instance, soils of natural forest had higher OC stock (188.32 Mg/ha) as compared to soils of cultivated lands(72.75 Mg/ha). Soil pH was slightly higher in natural forests and lower in the soils of grazing and cultivated lands. Significant difference (P < 0.05) among the two agro-ecologies were also observed in OC, Ca2+, and contents of clay and silt. In general, LULC change has affected the concentration of TN, OC, pH and BD which in turn can affect soil productivity. Therefore, the study suggests the implementation of an integrated soil fertility management practices and conservation based production systems with the collaboration of regional, local authority and farming community.

Determinants and Constraints for Adoption of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) Practices

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) follows agroecological principles and promotes chemical-free farming. It has emerged as cost-effective farming improving soil fertility and providing chemical-free food. For determining factors for the adoption of ZBNF practices in the purposively selected Wardha district of Maharashtra, conducted during 2022-23, Logit regression and for analyzing the constraints, factor analysis was used. The study revealed significant factors like integrated soil fertility management practices, adoption of ZBNF practices and IPM practices. The scarce raw materials for input preparation, management of weeds and pests were identified as input related whereas, lack of knowledge about liquid fertilizers, insect pest and weed management practices were reported as technology constraints, in case of the constraints related to labour and machinery, non availability of the bullock, high demand of skilled labour and high labour wages were reported. In case of institutional constraints, higher conversion period, high demand of skilled labour, and high certification fee were found. The assurance of better prices, purchase agencies at distant places, and lack of proper market structure were reported as the marketing constraints. In the case of political and legal constraints, a lesser number of FPOs, the synergy of the ZBNF practices with mainstream agriculture, lack of globalized market, and the need for convergence were found significant.

Impact of integrated soil fertility management practices on maize yield in Ethiopia

Today, declining soil fertility is the main biophysical constraint to improve crop yield and poses a potential threat to food security. This study aims to explore the elements that could influence the adoption of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) practices as well as their impact on maize yield. This study is based on a pseudo-panel collected by Ethiopia's central statistical agency (CSA) in collaboration with the World Bank. A Multinomial Endogenous Switching Regression model (MESR) was employed to achieve the specified objectives. The findings revealed that 15% of plots received no soil fertility-enhancing treatments, while 35% received a combination of inorganic fertilizer and manure to boost soil fertility. The average maize yield in the study was 3.44 tons per hectare, which was nearly equal to the average national yield in the prior year. Finally, maize yield was significantly influenced by soil fertility management measures, whether used alone or in combination of two or more soil fertility enhancing technologies. The extent of the impact, however, varies significantly depending on the inputs employed. Thus, using manure or compost alone had a moderate but significant impact on maize yield, but using inorganic fertilizer in combination with manure had the biggest impact. Therefore, policies that support the expansion of ISFM practices should be promoted. Farm households also receive technical assistance and training to better understand the use of ISFM practices, and policies that promote them should be expanded.

Effect of Blended Npsznb Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Triticum aestivum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Varieties in Mao-komo, Benshangule Gumuz Regional State

Bread wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.) is the most important cereal crop in the Poaceae (<i>Gramineae</i>) family originated in the Near-Eastern Fertile Crescent in the Middle East. It is the second most influential staple food crop after rice, grown in 89 countries with climates ranging from temperate to tropical but the production did not meet demand. The field experiment was conducted during 2020 cropping season in Mao-Komo District, western Ethiopia to evaluate the effects of blended NPSZnB fertilizer on bread wheat varieties. The experiment consisted of five levels of NPSZnB (0, 100, 150, 200, 250 kg ha^-1) and four bread wheat varieties Kingbird, Danda, Shorima and Ogolcho combined factorially and laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Days to 90% maturity were delayed with increased rates of fertilizer for all varieties. The highest mean plant height (81.4cm), number of grains per spike (52.5), and harvest index (39%), leaf area (30.15cm²), total tillers (6.29), productive tillers (6.1), grain yield (3.54), thousand grain weight (33.83g) and hectoliter weight (81.2) were obtained at 200 kg ha^-1 NPSZnB with Kingbird variety. Moreover, the highest straw yield (7.53t ha^-1) and spike length (8.2 cm) were recorded at 200 kg NPSZnB ha^-1 with Danda variety. The highest biomass (9.97 tha^-1) and hectoliter weight (81.2) were obtained at 250 kg ha^-1 NPSZnB with Ogolcho and Kingbird varieties, respectively. The maximum net benefit (85047ETB ha^-1) was obtained due to use of 200 kg ha^-1 NPSZnB with Kingbird bread wheat variety. Due to soil acidity of the study area, use of integrated soil fertility management practices is important to improve the production and productivity of bread wheat.

Soil Bacterial Community Dynamics are Influenced by Long-Term Integrated Soil Fertility Management Practices in a Ferralsol in Western Kenya

Soil Bacterial Community Dynamics are Influenced by Long-Term Integrated Soil Fertility Management Practices in a Ferralsol in Western Kenya

Soil fertility management among smallholder farmers in Mount Kenya East region

Declining soil fertility continues to hinder agricultural production especially among resource-constrained smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, prompting for evaluation of the strategies used by these farming communities. In this study, we assess soil fertility management among smallholder farmers in Mount Kenya East region. The aim is to examine underlying factors conditioning the uptake of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) practices in this region; determine the adoption relationship between the practices; and to cluster these techniques. Data for this study was collected between January–March 2019 through a household survey based on a farm household questionnaire and complemented with semi-structured interview with farmers and extension officers. Statistical analyses were generated using SPSS. We use hierarchical clustering analysis to visualize ISFM combination patterns, and correlation matrix in factor analysis to determine the inter-relationship between different ISFM practices. Fisher's exact test and Welch's t-test were used to examine the association between explanatory variables and adoption of ISFM practices. Results show that the decision to invest in fertility practices was correlated with a number of farmers' socio-economic, farm-related factors and institutional characteristics. Fertilizer application correlated significantly with manure use, agroforestry and minimum tillage. ISFM techniques were separated into 3 sets following Ward's hierarchical clustering, namely, manure, fertilizer use and agroforestry (cluster 1 or C1), slash-no-burn, residue burn and fallowing (C2); and residue application and minimum tillage (C3). The study recommends creation of an enabling environment including innovative financing opportunities to facilitate farmers' investment capacities in ISFM and cushion them from potential income loss resulting from implementation of some technologies.

Perceptions of Climate Variability and Soil Fertility Management Choices Among Smallholder Farmers in Northern Ghana

Climate variability and shocks threaten current systems of agricultural production and food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), leading to the promotion of soil, and water conservation measures to enhance the resilience of farming systems. This paper analyzes the factors influencing the probability and intensity of adoption of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) practices in Ghana, and identify the possible combinations of ISFM practices used by farmers based on their perceptions of climate variability and shocks. The empirical results revealed that demographic, farm-related variables, land quality, institutional factors, relative isolation, and recent experience of climate variability and shocks influence the probability and intensity of ISFM adoption. Perceptions of climate variability and shocks have a heterogeneous effect on the adoption of multiple ISFM practices. Farmers exposed to precipitation shocks are more likely to complement mulch with residue as an adaptive response to evapotranspiration while substitute mulch with mineral fertilizer. The results highlight the risk-averse decisions and mitigation strategies employed by farmers. Providing adequate and timely climate information to farmers will mitigate the biases related to the perception of climate variability and subsequently improve soil fertility choice. Strengthening the farmer-research-extension linkages coupled with communication of “better fit” ISFM practices will increase adoption.

Awareness of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Practices in the Savelugu Municipal of the Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract In sub-Saharan Africa intensifying small-scale farming is essential in addressing poverty related issues in rural communities and the degradation of natural resources. Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) are the best practices used to improve the productivity of crops whilst maximizing agronomic efficiency of inputs applied and hence contributing to sustainable intensification. ISFM usually include the appropriate use of inorganic fertilizer and organic resources, good agronomic practices and appropriate use of germplasm. The survey was carried-out on the awareness of Integrated Soil Fertility Management practices in the Savelugu Municipal of Northern Ghana to study the awareness of integrated soil fertility management practices amongst farmers through the administration of questionnaires. A multistage method of sampling was used in selecting thirty (30) respondents randomly from five (5) selected communities namely Jana, Yapalsi, Diari, Nabogu and Gushie to make up a total sample size of 150 respondents. Frequency distribution and percentages were used to represent the data. Correlation analysis was used to test for the relationship between awareness, educational level and household size. The survey showed that majority of the respondents at ages between 21 and 30 years were married and majority with household size of 3 to 5 as well as primary and secondary education. Farming activities were carried-out by hand (80%). Majority of the respondents (43.3%) were informed about ISFM through demonstrations and 20% of the farmers apply inorganic fertilizer. About 85.5% of the respondents were aware of ISFM. The research also revealed that ISFM improves production and supports finances of respondents. The assessment of respondents’ perception of ISFM revealed a positive agreement of the effect of ISFM on soil health as well as improved production. In conclusion, it is thus suggested that it is needful for the involvement of the government on the adoption of ISFM via Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) locally and or internationally for a suitable advancement and to guarantee a sustainable environment with a world-wide corporation for improvement.

Long-term effects of integrated soil fertility management practices on soil chemical properties in the Sahel

Joint application of mineral and organic fertilizers and incorporation of legumes into cropping systems, known as integrated soil fertility management (ISFM), has improved short-term crop productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. Little research exists, however, on the effectiveness of long-term ISFM in improving soil quality and productivity. This study determined the long-term effects of different ISFM treatments on soil chemical properties and OM dynamics up to 20 cm soil depth at a long-term research site at Saria, Burkina Faso. The ISFM treatments applied from 1960 to 2008 included broadcasted fertilizer (100 kg ha−1 14-23-14 (NPK) with 50 kg ha−1 urea; and NPK with an additional 50 kg ha−1 urea and 50 kg ha−1 KCl) supplemented with crop residue retention, and with manure application at 5000 or 40000 kg ha−1. In addition, continuous cropping of Sorghum bicolor (sorghum) was compared to yearly rotation between sorghum and Vigna unguiculata (cowpea). The large manure rate (40,000 kg ha−1) supplement was most effective in buffering fertilizer-application-induced pH decline and increasing grain yield, soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations (p < 0.05). Manure application also enhanced the microbial cycling and retention of C and N microbial byproducts compared to other fertilizer treatments, as indicated by C and N X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopies. Legume-cereal cropping led to increased abundance of C and N functional groups indicative of reduced OM breakdown compared to the continuous cropping system. Supplemental application of manure with mineral fertilizers under mixed cereal-legume cropping was found to be most effective in improving long-term soil fertility and crop productivity in the Sahel.

Integrated Effects of Vermi-compost and NPS Fertilizer Rates on Soil Chemical Properties and Maize Production in Bedele District, Western Oromia

Integrated plant nutrient management is the application of inorganic fertilizer in combination with organic fertilizer to maintain soil fertility and balance nutrient supply in order to boost up the crop yield per unit area. A study was conducted in Bedele District on farmers' fields to find out the combined effects of vermi-compost (organic fertilizer) and NPS (inorganic fertilizer) rates on soil chemical properties and maize production. The treatments consisted of three levels of vermi-compost (0, 1.5 and 3 t ha-1) and three levels of NPS fertilizer (0, 100 and 200 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out in RCBD design in factorial combination with three replications. laboratory analysis results of composite soil samples collected before sowing showed deficiency in soil chemical properties. However, analysis of variance of post harvest composite soil samples collected from each plot indicated significant differences on soil available P, OC, TN and CEC while, soil pH and exchangeable acidity showed positive improvement as compared to initial soil sample. The analysis of variance among the treatments showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) on almost all the maize characters tested. The highest and lowest maize grain yield (7932.1 kg ha-1) and (1944.4 kg ha-1) were obtained from the treatment combination of 3 t ha1 vermi-compost with 200 kg ha-1 NPS and 92 kg ha-1 N, and control plot, respectively. However this combination was statically at par with the treatment combination of 1.5 t ha-1 vermi-compost with 200 kg ha-1 NPS and 92 kg ha-1 N, which gave maize grain yield (7577.2 kg ha-1). Therefore, the present study showed that combined fertilization of vermi-compost and NPS fertilizer enhanced maize productivity and soil fertility status in the study area; indicated that maize productivity in the study sites were reduced due to high demand for external nutrient inputs. Hence combined fertilization of 1.5 t ha1 vermi-compost with 200 kg ha-1 NPS and 92 kg ha-1 N could improve maize productivity and soil chemical properties, and recommended for the study area (Bedele District) and similar agro-ecology. The result also showed that the soils of the study sites had poor chemical fertility and integrated soil fertility management practices can improve the current situation.

Soil Fertility Level and Cropping Practices Determining Soybean Yield in Northern East and Center of Benin

Soybean is a food security crop in Benin due to its high nutritional value but its yield in the farmers’ cropping system is very low. The present study aims to provide appropriate response to the yield variability among fields in two agro-ecological zones of Benin namely: Southern Borgou zone (AEZ 3 in the north) and cotton zone of central Benin (AEZ 5). Soil samples were collected from 0-20 cm depth in 120 fields (50 in the AEZ 3 and 70 in the AEZ 5). pH (water), soil organic carbon (Walkley and Black method), total nitrogen (Kjeldahl method), CEC (0.01 N ammonium acetate at pH 7 method) and available phosphorus (Bray 1) were determined in the laboratory of Soil Science Water and Environment (LSSEE) of the National Agricultural Research Institute of Benin (INRAB). Cropping system (crop rotations, soil fertility management practices) were also collected using an open ended questionnaire. Classification and regression trees (CARTs) models were used for data analyses. Soybean yield variability among the agro-ecological zones were registered and the highest yield recorded was less than 1 t.ha-1. Considering soil characteristics, soil organic matter level was the most important variable determining yield variability. Furthermore, quantities of P applied and farmyard manure were cropping practices inducing yield variability (86.4% and 15% of the variability respectively). Our results also show that, yield differences noticed among the agro-ecological zones were induced by CEC and pH (water). The study suggested promotion of integrated soil fertility management practices to sustain soybean yield in the study area.